ACM Awards Announce 2011 Nominees for Fan-Voted Categories

The ACM Awards are not airing until this spring, but the Academy is getting a jump start and has already announced the nominees for 2011's new artist categories. The Academy will decide the winners in the Top New Solo Vocalist category as well as the Top New Vocal Duo or Group category with the help of votes by fans.

The nominees for the Top New Solo Vocalist are Easton Corbin, Eric Church and Randy Houser. In the Top New Vocal Duo or Group category, the nominees are the Band Perry, the JaneDear Girls and Steel Magnolia.

Fans can vote for the Top New Solo Vocalist and the Top New Vocal Duo or Group categories between Jan. 27 and Feb. 24 by visiting either VoteACM.com or GACTV.com/ACM. Each winner in these categories will then advance to the Top New Artist category, which fans will also be able to vote on between March 11 and April 3.

Check back with Taste of Country on Friday, Jan. 8 for the full list of nominees for 2011's ACM Awards. The ACM Awards will broadcast live from Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3 on CBS at 8PM ET.